The Back Side of the Cross

“Leclerc and Peterson affirm our sinned-against brokenness and our hope of full redemption! Their prophetic voices are poignant and provocative in providing alternative theological perspectives that take survivors’ experiences and needs well into account. Although a work of theology, there are so many pastoral implications that offer brilliant helps to our everyday dilemmas of grief-stricken, abandoned, and abused parishioners. There is a balm in Gilead for those on the backside of the cross.”


—Rondy Smith, founder and CEO, Rest Stop Ministries





“Contemporary social movements are raising a level of awareness to the suffering of victims in ways that were previously without precedent. Yet, part of what I see taking place in these movements is a society attempting to grapple with victimization in the absence of a theology that adequately addresses very complex issues. . . . This book offers the kind of creative, astute, and well-timed theology so needed for such a time as this.”


—Timothy R. Gaines, Trevecca Nazarene University





“There are very few resources that help us understand how trauma can have an impact on the spiritual life and experience of a survivor. . . . This book helps bridge this gap. I have woven some of this book’s theology into my practice with clients. I have heard more than once ‘Why haven’t I ever heard this before?’ The insights offered by the authors will help pastors, clinicians, and survivors themselves work toward healing and wholeness.”


—Julie Schmidt, LCSW





“This book will be important for educators and pastors; it will be timely for Christians everywhere. More narrowly, Leclerc and Peterson’s emphasis meets a pronounced need in Wesleyan circles, in which language of atonement and holiness focuses on freedom from sin but may leave out those who have experienced unwilling violation. Instead of perceiving the atonement primarily as freeing people from guilt, this book takes seriously that the cross represents hope and redemption for those sinned against.”


—Kara Lyons Pardue, Point Loma Nazarene University





“This volume is a valuable, potent theological contribution to the growing body of literature focusing on the experiences, wisdom, and theological protest of the ‘sinned against,’ dismantling the focus of traditional atonement theologies and giving voice to so many of us who are survivors of violence.”


—Elaine A. Heath, author of Healing the Wounds of Sexual Abuse: Reading the Bible with Survivors





“Graphic and heartbreaking yet hopeful, practical help for the church striving to be God’s incarnate presence to those who have suffered unspeakable cruelty and abuse at the hands of others—a thoughtful exposition of atonement theories, forgiveness, and encouragement. As a hospital chaplain, this book has helped me transcend my own weak ‘but God is good’ conclusions and come to sound biblical answers inspiring healing and hope—for myself and those I serve.”


—Karla S. Sampson, hospital chaplain





“Who is God for the godforsaken? Leclerc and Peterson bring us in for an unflinching look at the abandoned God on the cross. We listen for what the atonement has to tell us about freedom—not only for sinners but for those who have been sinned against. It is a journey from death to life. This book has powerful resonance for those walking alongside victims of modern slavery and abuse, and powerful hope for the victims themselves.”


—Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag, Director of Global Church Engagement, World Freedom Network





“Leclerc and Peterson offer a rich and deep theological and psychological perspective on the meaning of the atonement for the sinned against. Rarely is theology done with such great practical psychological insight and sophistication. This is not pop theology or psychology, but it is immediately practical; something that I as a psychotherapist and a pastor can immediately put to use. All those who care for the ‘sinned against’ should read this book.”


—Brad D. Strawn, Fuller Theological Seminary